Throughout the world today over a 100,000 people have contracted the Coronavirus, there are many people who are worried that they may contract the virus and fear the implications of being off work with reduced pay. And there are thousands of families who have lost loved ones to this virus, who will now have to face the pandemic and future life without those loved ones.

In times like this due to human instinct we can sometimes try and do things in our own strength and we can forget how faithful the Lord is, and how he has promised us that he will never forsake us. There will be times when we may ‘feel’ that he’s not there but he is always there and that we can place our trust in Him.

In 1 Corinthians 1:9 Paul tells us that God is faithful and that we are called into fellowship with Him. During periods when I’m going through struggles, temptation when I take time out to pray and study scripture with Him, afterwards I feel at ease and at peace and any tempting thoughts are gone. And to be honest recently I have tried to do things in my own strength and have been afraid of how as a family we would cope if I contract the Coronavirus and ended up on statutory sick pay. When I did pray about my fears I did feel at peace afterwards, I know it can be hard not to try and take control but in reality we need to give all our hopes and fears to Him.

In 2 Timothy 2:13 Paul tells Timothy and us “if we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself” [NRSV] In this verse I believe that Paul is telling us that we shouldn’t feel guilty when we do try and solve issues in our lives. Despite our failings God will still be there for us, Paul is reminding us that God cannot deny us.

I’ve seen some preachers online telling their listeners / readers that if their living in fear they are sinning, All the Bible verses I know of which talk about fear and living in fear are encouraging us that we have no need to live in fear for Jesus is with us. Isaiah 41:10 “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”[NRSV] This Bible passage is reminding us that not only is God with us but He will strengthen us.

Over the next few weeks we need to ensure (put a time slot in our diary if necessary) that we take time out and seek His peace and put our trust in Him. And when we’re asked why are we so calm etc. We need to be honest and tell them that we are putting our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

For the record I do think we should be taking the advice from our national government, medical officers as it is they who have all the science, test results, statistics etc. We need to remember that a number of news outlets intentionally produce news with the intention of inducing ‘fear’ within society, as bad news generates clicks and subliminary they can pass onto their readers their own agenda. During these times it’s important that we remember and we remind our Christian friends that the Lord is the Saviour of the world and for those who accept Him, he will remain faithful to them.

Finally we need to lift up those who have lost loved ones in our prayers, that God will give them peace, strength and providence for their physical needs. And for those who don’t yet know Him, that a follower of Christ will be their for them in their time of grief.

All Bible quotes and links have been taken from http://www.biblegateway.com